What does Carlen (1988) suggest is promised to women by patriarchal ideology?

Carlen (1988) argues that patriarchal ideology offers women material and emotional rewards primarily through the institution of family life. This concept suggests that women are socialized to view family roles—such as being a wife and mother—as fulfilling and rewarding. These expectations create a narrative that women's value and identity are largely tied to their relationships and domestic roles.

In this view, the promise of stability, love, emotional connection, and economic security often leads women to internalize these ideals, influencing their choices and behavior throughout their lives. This perspective is critical in understanding how systemic structures and cultural narratives shape women's experiences and reinforce traditional gender roles, often at the expense of their agency and opportunities for broader societal participation.

Alternative options, while they may present enticing prospects, do not align with the core tenets of Carlen's argument about the role of patriarchal ideology in shaping women's lives. For example, career advancement opportunities and access to higher education may not be emphasized within the context of patriarchal expectations, which often prioritize domestic and relational fulfillment over professional ambitions for women. Similarly, the idea of social independence and self-fulfillment can be seen as contrasting with the reliant nature of the roles promoted by patriarchal ideology.